Land-Rover 1949 Series 1 “80”

Land Rover entered production in 1948 with what was later termed the Series I. This was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show. It was originally designed for farm and light industrial use, and had a steel box-section chassis, and an aluminum body.
Originally the Land Rover was a single model offering, which from 1948 until 1951 used an 80-inch wheelbase and a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing around 50 bhp. The four-speed gearbox from the Rover P3 was used, with a new two-speed transfer box. This incorporated an unusual four-wheel-drive system, with a freewheel unit (as used on several Rover cars of the time). This disengaged the front axle from the manual transmission on the overrun, allowing a form of permanent 4WD.

This particular Land Rover is a 1950 year model, built sometime between August and December 1949, and supplied initially to the “War Department”. It stayed in the hands of the Military until October 1982 when it was registered to its first private owner.

The car is in simply stunning condition as can be seen from the photographs. The engine was rebuilt by Peter Hughes, present chairman of the Series 1 club, done less than 7000 miles since. It starts on the button and drives superbly. Its finished in Land Rover Green with green seating and comes with a Canvas Tilt which is in superb condition. It’s even shiny underneath and photos can be supplied of the underside too.

The history file with the car S is considerable, and with a total of 26 MOT’s going back to its initial MOT in 1982 when the car was rebuilt. it suggests that the mileage currently showing at 58000 may in fact be genuine. Its travelled very little in recent years apart from to the MOT station and to a variety of events by trailer.